Repairing times for film Leicas sent to Wetzlar

[Erik van Straten]

@ Erik van Straten: As a Dutchman I'm sure you know Will van Manen and Kathy Kuiper from Kameraservice (kamera-service.info), they are one of the good places to go in Europe for all things regrading mechanical Leicas including M7, M6TTL, MP –– why don't you mention them?
Their turnaround time they announced to me was each around 3 months and both times I used their services – M7 repair (2020) and M2 full service/deep repair of broken curtain drum roller (2024) – they finished it faster than announced. They are real Pros and the european equivalent to DAG, Sherry Krauter, YYE etc.
Of course turnaround times depends on their respective schedule.
I wouldn't hesitate one second sending a Leica MP or an M4 to them for service. Highly recommended.

My favorite repairman in The Netherlands was Ton Scherpenborg, but unfortunately he died some time ago. I liked him very much. I know Will van Manen and Kathy Kuiper too. Their work was always excellent, but the turnaround time was very long and the trip to Zoetermeer by public transport is a nightmare. However, I'll give them a call for the repair of my MP. I have no choice.

gelatin silver print (summilux 35mm f1.4 steel rim) leica mp

Ton Scherpenborg, Leica repairman in Nijmegen, 2017

 

[Ko.Fe.]

But here is no any other manufacturer taking cameras as old as M4. Maybe they have to wait for parts made per order.

 

[Freakscene]

There has been a huge upsurge in demand and their pool of staff was shrinking for a long time. Training new technical staff takes a long time.

They don’t make parts for older cameras, but for a lot of things they have extensive inventory.

 

[Slumgullion]

My M7 is having issues with the shutter capping at high speeds. My local guy is very averse to working on M7’s (he claims that they are a “walled garden”). In spite of his reluctance, he adjusted the tension on the curtains and that fixed the problem for a few months…but it’s happening again. There are other small QC problems with the camera that probably only HQ can fix. The idea of waiting a year to get it repaired does not sit well with me. But, I’m stuck. Can’t sell it in its current state. I called Leica’s customer service line to inquire about sending it in. They were too busy to pick up the phone. I left a message. Haven’t received a call back in three days. Some customer service…

 

[Out to Lunch]

and their pool of staff was shrinking for a long time.

Which is what HR managers usually plan for but it seems Leica has not.

 

[splitimageview]

It was more important to spend money on a new HQ.

 

[Erik van Straten]

But here is no any other manufacturer taking cameras as old as M4. Maybe they have to wait for parts made per order.

It was more important to spend money on a new HQ.

I think there is something else going on. Leitz's philosophy in the pre-digital era was to keep customers happy. Even pre-war Leica's were repaired. However, computers cannot be repaired because they need to be replaced. Digital photographers need to keep that point in mind, because the same goes for digital cameras. These are also computers.
It is a pity that analogue photographers also suffer from this development. For producers and dealers this small market is now only a nuisance.

 

[Freakscene]

Which is what HR managers usually plan for but it seems Leica has not.

The problem is that demand was also dropping - at one point Leica considered discontinuing all film cameras, but then demand picked up rapidly. It’s hard to train technical staff as fast as demand changed. Of course, service is also not as profitable as selling very high end cameras that no-one ever uses.

 

[Freakscene]

I think there is something else going on. Leitz's philosophy in the pre-digital era was to keep customers happy. Even pre-war Leica's were repaired. However, computers cannot be repaired because they need to be replaced. Digital photographers need to keep that point in mind, because the same goes for digital cameras. These are also computers.
It is a pity that analogue photographers also suffer from this development. For producers and dealers this small market is now only a nuisance.

Of course ‘something else’ is going on. Leica transformed from a maker of fine cameras for pros and hardcore users, to a manufacturer of fetish items for the very rich. It was the only way for them to stay alive in the climate in which they were operating. I don’t like it, but I’d rather have them operating than not, whatever the particular set of circumstances.

 

[raydm6]

Glassdoor gives good organizational insight into companies. Some of the comments regarding Leica Camera from former employees are concerning.

https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Leica-Camera-Reviews-E7765.htm

 

[Erik van Straten]

Of course ‘something else’ is going on. Leica transformed from a maker of fine cameras for pros and hardcore users, to a manufacturer of fetish items for the very rich. It was the only way for them to stay alive in the climate in which they were operating. I don’t like it, but I’d rather have them operating than not, whatever the particular set of circumstances.

I am a Leica fan. I would be happier when they stopped with this nonsense.

 

[Freakscene]

Glassdoor gives good organizational insight into companies. Some of the comments regarding Leica Camera from former employees are concerning.

https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/Leica-Camera-Reviews-E7765.htm

I’ve just trawled these. The vast majority are from sales staff. I couldn’t find any that looked like it was from manufacturing staff or anyone who lived in Wetzlar.

I am a Leica fan. I would be happier when they stopped with this nonsense.

Agree, but it is better than Leica ceasing to exist, which is probably the other option.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I think there is something else going on. Leitz's philosophy in the pre-digital era was to keep customers happy. Even pre-war Leica's were repaired. However, computers cannot be repaired because they need to be replaced. Digital photographers need to keep that point in mind, because the same goes for digital cameras. These are also computers.
It is a pity that analogue photographers also suffer from this development. For producers and dealers this small market is now only a nuisance.

Film shooters are in the mad max territory. No companies will service, provide parts , except LCAG. Butt. If iii f Barnack loose glass behind cracked vf/rf - no replacement.

Here is zero difference film or digital. They could get parts if they want, or they'll tell you to get a hike.

 

[Out to Lunch]

No companies will service, provide parts , except LCAG.

To my knowledge, Zeiss still repairs the Zeiss Ikon ZI's.